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Auburn Sentinel

Golden State Water Advises Customers of Emergency Drought Declaration

Jun 18, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Mike Gazda, Golden State Water

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) is advising customers in its Clearlake, Bay Point and Arden Cordova (Arden, Gold River, Rancho Cordova) service areas of the state of California’s emergency drought declaration that was expanded on May 10, 2021, to include Lake, Contra Costa and Sacramento counties. Customers in these communities, and throughout the state, are encouraged to continue using water responsibly and make water conservation an important part of their every day.

Additionally, the Sacramento Regional Water Authority (RWA) is encouraging all customers in the Sacramento region to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10 percent to help preserve the region’s water supplies and protect local fish populations.

“Our customers did a tremendous job reducing water use during the last drought, and most of them have continued those water-efficient practices and done a nice job making conservation a way of life,” said Paul Schubert, General Manager of the Northern District for Golden State Water. “This week’s announcement expanding the emergency drought declaration to include Lake, Contra Costa and Sacramento counties is consistent with what the data is telling us. These areas are experiencing various levels of drought, and we must all work together to help protect water supplies.”

Customers are asked to limit outdoor irrigation and refrain from watering lawns and gardens during daylight hours to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation. Additionally, customers are reminded that the following practices that waste potable water are prohibited in California: Hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes. Washing a motor vehicle with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle. Operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system. Watering outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff, or within 48 hours following measurable precipitation. Irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public street medians.

“Golden State Water has experts who have been monitoring and planning for this since the last drought ended; however, it’s important that each and every customer realizes the important impact we can make if we all work together to improve our water-use efficiency,” said Denise Kruger, Senior Vice President of Regulated Water Utilities for Golden State Water. “Golden State Water offers numerous rebates and resources to help customers save water, and we encourage everyone to check our website to see what they may qualify for.”

Golden State Water will provide additional drought-related updates with customers as developments and conditions warrant. Customers are asked to visit gswater.com/conservation to learn more about programs and resources in their area and follow @GoldenStateH2O on Twitter and Facebook for real-time information about the drought and local water service.